Guangdong has awarded the Guangdong Friendship Award to Princess Salote Pilolevu Tuita of Tonga, recognizing her efforts to build people-to-people ties between China and Pacific island countries.

Guo Yile, deputy secretary-general of the Guangdong Provincial People's Government, presented the award to Tuita on Sept 23 in Shenzhen, where he also attended a seminar marking the 10th anniversary of the Pacific-China Friendship Association. Shen Xin, vice president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, attended and delivered a speech.

Shen said China and Pacific island countries have made progress in creating a community with a shared future and expressed hope that the CPAFFC and the PCFA will continue to enhance youth exchanges, focus on practical cooperation and promote sister-city development.

Tuita thanked the CPAFFC and Guangdong for their long-term cooperation with Pacific island countries. She said the award is a recognition of all PCFA members and encourages the association as it enters its second decade.

The Guangdong Friendship Award recognizes foreign nationals who have contributed to Guangdong's development and foreign exchanges. Tuita, honorary president of the PCFA, has long worked to strengthen connections between China and Pacific island countries.

Under her leadership, the PCFA has carried out several projects with Guangdong, including the "Love Schoolbags" donation program. She received the award on the recommendation of the Foreign Affairs Office of People’s Government of Guangdong Province.